In a dramatic turn of events, Billy Osawaru, the House of Representatives member for Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode federal constituency, has axed his senior legislative aide, Anthony Ogbemudia Osazuwa, citing his purported backing of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s governorship aspirations as the cause.
Osawaru, who also holds the position of Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation, took decisive action after accusing the aide of engaging in “negative, unwarranted, and unacceptable activities and behaviors” contrary to his expectations. The termination letter, dated January 25, addressed to the chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission in Abuja, emphasized the immediacy of the dismissal.
The lawmaker made it clear that the termination was effective immediately, urging the commission to recover all office and official materials from the aide. Expressing his disappointment, Osawaru pointed out that the aide’s actions had tarnished the reputation of his office, leading to the severe decision.
While some allegations suggest that the aide’s dismissal was directly linked to his support for Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s aspiration in the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election, Osawaru clarified that the termination was a result of the aide’s repeated disregard for his principles, underlining that Ize-Iyamu remains a revered leader to him.
Ukato Thomas, the media and publicity assistant to the lawmaker, emphasized that the decision was due to the aide’s actions repeatedly contradicting Osawaru’s principles, with alleged insubordination despite prior reprimands.
However, Osawaru emphasized that the termination was not a punitive response to the aide’s support for Ize-Iyamu. He acknowledged Osazuwa’s right to back any candidate of his choice, recognizing his former aide’s political influence, having previously served as the federal lawmaker’s campaign director-general and held prominent positions within the National Association of Nigerian Students, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, and the former member who represented the constituency.
He also noted that Osazuwa had been appointed as his Chief of Staff just three months ago.
Amidst conflicting narratives, Osawaru urged against the propagation of misleading information and urged for restraint in inciting discord. The statements made by the media and publicity assistant indicate that the decision was not one made lightly, but as a result of repeated violations of trust.
The abrupt termination has stirred ripples in Edo State politics, raising questions about the boundaries between personal political affiliations and professional duties in Nigerian politics. As the dust settles, the wider implications of this development on the political landscape remain to be seen.
